Your News: A living memorial at Rocks By Rail

Rocks by Rail Singapore

Published:11:00Sunday 05 July 2015

As the 70th anniversary of the end of Second World War in mid-August comes nearer Rocks By Rail museum is pleased to announce that its Far Eastern Prisoner of War steam locomotive “Singapore” is to receive a clean and repaint following receipt of a recent offer of a grant to cover 75% of the cost from the national War Memorials Trust.

The prisoners of war incarcerated in Changi Gaol in Singapore first learnt of the Japanese surrender via an air drop of leaflets on 26th August 1945. Singapore was returned to allied control in mid September.

At present the museum’s volunteers are working on a new exhibition building which will house the British built “Singapore” locomotive and other railway exhibits.

A recent donation of building materials by local quarry operator Breedon Aggregates will help the work along.

Once the new tracks have been laid into the building over the next few months the loco will be moved from open storage to a location where the saddletank can be lifted clear to provide easier access.

Following a deep clean the loco will be moved into the new building where surface preparation can be undertaken and new paint applied.

Members of the public who wish to volunteer to help with this project are invited to contact the museum.